Hattiesburg City Council adopts big tax breaks for nine companies

HATTIESBURG,MS (WDAM) - The Hattiesburg City Council granted an ad valorem tax exemption for nine companies in the city Tuesday evening.

During the meeting the council adopted a resolution granting the exemption, which in most cases will end December 31st of 2020.

ADP President, Chad Newell, answered some concerns of council member Deborah Delgado about granting the exemptions. Newell said the incentive to allow the exemption for the companies is the economic benefit they provide.

Hattiesburg City Council President, Kim Bradley says the city wants to keep these businesses and the city won't lose any money.

"We are not losing money. We haven't collected any money on it in the past. These are new dollars that are invested in these companies." said Bradley. "Whether it is in buildings, real estate, or whether it is in furniture fixtures. Equipment to enhance their business for more manufacturing. They are probably generating more jobs. That is what we are about. What our business needs to be is making room for these businesses, or allowing these businesses to do business."

(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File). FILE - In this May 22, 2018 file photo, actor Morgan Freeman attends the 2018 PEN Literary Gala in New York. Freeman is apologizing to anyone who may have felt “uncomfortable or disrespected” by his behavior....

Actor Morgan Freeman has apologized for making anyone feel uneasy, in the wake of a CNN report in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.More >>

Actor Morgan Freeman has apologized for making anyone feel uneasy, in the wake of a CNN report in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.More >>

The Food and Drug Administration said that various gels and creams containing the drug benzocaine can cause rare but deadly side effects in children, especially those 2 years and younger. (Source: FDA)

The US Food and Drug Administration health is warning parents about the risks of teething remedies.

The Golden Eagles will conclude spring drills at noon Saturday with the annual Black and Gold Game at M.M. Roberts Stadium.

Fifth-seeded University of Texas-San Antonio hit for the cycle in consecutive at-bats in a nine-run, third inning Thursday morning to pull off an opening-round upset for a fourth consecutive postseason at the 2018 Conference USA Baseball Championship at MGM Park.

Fifth-seeded University of Texas-San Antonio hit for the cycle in consecutive at-bats in a nine-run, third inning Thursday morning to pull off an opening-round upset for a fourth consecutive postseason at the 2018 Conference USA Baseball Championship at MGM Park.

A bridge on County Road 12 in Jasper County deemed unsafe by the federal government has already been closed. Photo credit WDAM.

Bridges in Jasper County will remain closed after the Chancery Court of The First Judicial District denied its petition for injunction relief to reopen bridges that were closed by the federal government.

Bridges in Jasper County will remain closed after the Chancery Court of The First Judicial District denied its petition for injunction relief to reopen bridges that were closed by the federal government.